Celebrate Veterans Day

A free concert Saturday will raise money to help provide homes for homeless veterans.

The family-friendly event called "Housing our Heroes" is from 1 to 5 p.m. at the Truman Memorial Building, at 416 W. Maple Ave., in Independence. The emcee will be Stephanie Ramos, a news anchor at KMBC Channel 9, who is a veteran who served in Iraq in 2008 and is now in the Army Reserves.

Performing will be the band Right on Red, which plays a variety of music.

The concert is hosted by Heroes Coming Home, which is accepting donations at the door, plus a donation of nonperishable food for local food pantries.

The City of Independence and the Truman Library Institute will host a Veterans Day Tribute on Nov. 11 at the Harry S. Truman Library and Museum, 500 W. U.S. 24, Independence.

The day-long tribute will begin at 9 a.m. with free admission to the Truman Library for veterans and active military (one guest is included with each complimentary admission.) At 1:30 p.m., guests may enjoy a patriotic outdoor concert by the Spirit of Independence Concert Band (weather permitting.)

The program starts at 3 p.m. in the auditorium. There is no charge to attend the program and reception. The keynote speaker this year is Gen. (Ret.) George W. Casey Jr., 36th Chief of Staff of the U.S. Army. At 4:15 p.m., Casey will participate in the Wreath-Laying Ceremony and 21-Gun Salute at President Truman’s gravesite. A reception will follow at 4:30 p.m., hosted by the City of Independence.

For more information, call Peggy Sowders at 816-325-7979.

Veterans eat free

at Applebee's Monday

Veterans and active-duty service members will be served a free signature entree meal on Monday at all Applebee's restaurants.

The restaurant encourages diners to take a moment to thank current and former military members at ThankYouMovement.com. The community with the most messages at that website will win a free concert from Gavin DeGraw.